Bryce urges Australians to help bushfire victims

Governor General Quentin Bryce has urged all Australians to think deeply about what they can do to help those affected by Victoria's devastating bushfires.

In an address to the nation, Ms Bryce says the country should do "whatever needs to be done" to help rebuild communities and support those who have lost everything.

"We are witnessing in our country a grave emergency, unconscionable devastation and loss, untold human courage and suffering," she said.

"We must support people in their grief and we must stay on for the tough and costly rebuilding of lives, livelihoods and futures of confidence and hope, of homes, schools, emergency service facilities, shopping centres, post offices, parks and campsites - the buildings in places at the centre of our existence."

Ms Bryce, who will begin touring fire-affected areas on Thursday, said the country's thoughts were with the victims and their families.

"To those in the midst of the terror and the tragedy we send our thoughts, our hearts, our prayers and our most profound admiration," she said.

"They are families holding tight, grateful to be alive, waiting for news of loved ones and coping with intense sadness."

She paid tribute to emergency, police, medical and military staff who have been working around the clock and urged all Australians to use reserves of courage to face the crisis.

"Those times are upon us right now, demanding the greatest generosity of spirit and effort," she said.

Ms Bryce will also tour flood-affected areas of north Queensland after she has visited Victoria.